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Gotham critics agree 'The Hurt Locker' is year's best

December 14, 2009 | 10:51
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The New York film critics have agreed with their L.A. counterparts and named "The Hurt Locker" the best picture of the year and "Hurt" helmer Kathryn Bigleow best director.

Although the L.A. team went with Jeff Bridges ("Crazy Heart") for best actor, the New York crew of critics preferred George Clooney, citing his work in both "Up in the Air" and "Fantastic Mr. Fox." They did not do the same for his "Fox" voice-over costar Meryl Streep, who won best actress just for "Julie & Julia." The L.A. choice for that award was Yolande Moreau in the little-seen "Seraphine"

As in L.A., winners for supporting roles were Christoph Waltz ("Inglourious Basterds") and Mo'Nique ("Precious"). Though the L.A. critics chose the "Up in the Air" screenplay, the Gotham group went for the Brit hit indie "In the Loop." Both cited the cinematography of Germany's "The White Ribbon," though each thought France's "Summer Hours" the best foreign film. And both groups agreed that "Fantastic Mr. Fox" was the best animated film of the year.

Last year, the New York Film Critics Circle chose "Milk" as best picture and its star -- eventual Oscar champ Sean Penn -- as best actor. Best actress went to Sally Hawkins who was snubbed by the academy, as was her winning "Happy-Go-Lucky" director Mike Leigh. Supporting actress went to eventual Oscar-winner Penelope Cruz ("Vicky Cristina Barcelona") and supporting actor to Josh Brolin, who lost the Oscar to Heath Ledger ("The Dark Knight").